DHQ confirms identity of neutralized terrorist commander Al‑Minuki

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has addressed confusion about the identity of Abu‑Bilal Al‑Minuki, a terrorist commander who was neutralised in a joint operation with U.S. Africa Command.

The clarification was issued by Maj‑Gen. Samaila Uba, the director of defence information, on Saturday in Abuja.

Uba said the statement was prompted by media reports of a 2024 operation that involved a different terrorist commander with the same name.

He noted that ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters frequently employ identical names, aliases, and nom de guerre to conceal their identities.

According to Uba, the Abu‑Bilal Al‑Minuki killed on 16 May 2026 was positively identified using reliable human intelligence and technical surveillance.

He characterised the commander as a senior global operative in the Islamic State network, with direct ties to international terrorist coordination, funding and operations throughout the Sahel.

“There is no ambiguity about the identity of the individual neutralised in the recent operation,” he said.

Uba added that the operation represented a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing counter‑terrorism campaign, carried out with international partners.

He urged the public and media to rely on verified information from official sources to prevent confusion caused by name similarities.

The defence spokesman reiterated the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and maintaining pressure on insurgent groups throughout the region. (NAN)

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